Among the drafted quarterbacks, former West Virginia Mountaineers passer Geno Smith has the best shot to start in 2013. / James Lang, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

Let's face it: The quarterbacks taken in the 2013 NFL draft were never going to measure up to the guys who entered the league last year -- especially Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson, who developed cult followings while they took their teams into the postseason as rookies.

The seven quarterbacks who waited (and waited and waited) to have their names called over the three days of the draft will hear about the 2012 class for the rest of their careers -- or at least until they, too, prove they belong in the big leagues.

And unlike the Luck, RGIII and Wilson (and even Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden), most of this year's class will be toting clipboards when the season starts. Here's a look at where they landed and how they'll fit in:

WILL START

Geno Smith, Jets

The former West Virginia quarterback, chosen early in the second round after being humiliated in the green room Thursday night, has the best chance among the Smeared Seven to win the starting job, even though he finds himself on a roster with six quarterbacks.

That number, of course, is about to be whittled.

Mark Sanchez, the starter who should have played himself out a job by now, likely will stick around, thanks to a ridiculous contract that was, in essence, the reason former general manager Mike Tannebaum was fired. Tim Tebow will be released soon. David Garrard's status is up in the air, along with the futures of Greg McElroy and Matt Simms.

The Jets, in the process of a major reboot, have made an investment in Smith, so it's logical to assume he'll be given every opportunity to win the starting job.

"My goal is to be a franchise quarterback, but as of right now, there's a lot of work to be done,'' Smith said.

As Seahawks vice president, Idzik witnessed Wilson's surprise ascension in training camp last summer, and Idzik has made it clear Sanchez, who will earn $8.25 million in 2013, is on borrowed time.

"Our plan for Geno is to compete,'' Idzik said. "And that's all it is. Bringing in the best quality, highest quality competition we can at every position. Geno is certainly an example of that.''

Smith clicked with new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg during a March 13 dinner in Morgantown, W. Va. the night before his pro day.

Coach Rex Ryan said Sanchez will get "the first snap." But Smith will get enough of them to start come September.

WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO START

E.J. Manuel, Bills

Former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's biggest shortcoming was an average arm that allowed cornerbacks to jump his sideline passes. That's not a worry with Manuel, who has a cannon arm, along with the size and mobility to run the read option.

Manuel, the only quarterback taken in the first round in this draft, has a leader's presence, which helped him compile a 25-6 record at Florida State. But before he can be a leader, he'll go head-to-head with Kevin Kolb, who, for now, is seen as the starter, and journeyman Tavaris Jackson.

"I expect greatness for myself,'' Manuel said. "When I went to Florida State, it was the same way. Now moving forward to the next step, the highest level of football I am ready to go.''

Kolb will help mentor Manuel and provide good insurance in case the rookie isn't ready when the regular season arrives.

WILL COMPETE

Matt Barkley, Eagles

More than mobility, coach Chip Kelly prizes repetitive accuracy and moxie in his quarterback. Barkley is his kind of guy.

Kelly said the surprise move to trade up and select the former USC passer at the start of the fourth round proves it's a "misconception" that he requires a running quarterback to win in his up-tempo spread system. The former Oregon coach knows Barkley, a first-rounder had he come out last season, from competing against him in the Pac-12.

Currently, the Eagles have Michael Vick and Nick Foles -- both starters last season -- on the roster. It's likely Vick will stick, though Foles could be dealt. Kansas City would be the early leader in any Foles sweepstakes.

WILL WATCH

Ryan Nassib, Giants

Giants general manager Jerry Reese welcomed the former Syracuse signal caller, selected 110th overall, like this: "If he doesn't ever play, that would be great.''

The most likely scenario for Nassib is to be groomed as a backup to two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning -- develop him and ultimately move him to a team where he'll have a chance to start, in exchange for a much higher pick.

Said Nassib: "I always compared myself to Eli. And it is crazy that I'm going to be playing with him.''

Well, maybe not actually playing.

Mike Glennon, Bucs

Glennon, a 6-7, 220-pound flame-thrower, spent his first three seasons in the shadows of Russell Wilson at North Carolina State. Glennon has starter upside, the size and a big arm to attack downfield. His flaws? His throws are erratic and his footwork is spotty.

Josh Freeman will be the starter, but Glennon has a chance to displace Dan Orlovsky or Adam Weber.

"Competition and quality depth across our roster is critical for us to become a championship team,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "God forbid, something were to happen to Josh, you would want to be able to continue with your offensive philosophy if you can. You can't always do that.''

Tyler Wilson, Raiders

Wilson will have a legitimate chance to compete -- for the backup job held by Terrelle Pryor behind presumed starter Matt Flynn. Value met need at the 112th overall selection for general manager Reggie McKenzie.

"Obviously, I'm excited -- very, very excited because the situation is a good one,'' Wilson said.

The 6-2, 220-pound former Arkansas quarterback had a 24-to-6, touchdown-to-interception ratio two years ago before he struggled as a senior after Bobby Petrino's firing. Flynn and Wilson are McKenzie guys, so Pryor could be the odd man out.

Landry Jones, Steelers

It says a lot that general manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin selected former Oklahoma passer Jones with the 115th overall pick to extend the fourth-round run on quarterbacks.

When Ben Roethlisberger suffered throwing shoulder and rib injuries in Week 9 last season, the Steelers, then 6-3, sputtered and failed to make the playoffs for the second time since 2009. Jones will compete with Bruce Gradkowski for the backup job.

Aging backup Charlie Batch is likely gone. And Jones already has a relationship with Roethlisberger: His wife, Whitney played on Oklahoma's women's basketball team with Roethlisberger's sister, Carlee.

"I get to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the game,'' Jones said. "I'm just really excited to get to work with him.''